Mobile Phone and Digital Device Policy

Mobile Phone and Digital Device Policy

As of January 2020

 

Northam SHS acknowledges and appreciates the importance of technology in the lives of young people today, and as a school we recognize that technology plays a big role in students’ learning.

To ensure there is minimal disruption to student learning:

Mobile phones, ear phones and other digital devices must be switched off and be out of sight for all students from the time they arrive to the conclusion of the school day (“off and away all day”).
All smart watches should be in ‘aeroplane mode’ so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.

The terms of this policy applies to all students unless a student has been granted an exemption for the following uses of mobile phones:

  • To monitor a health condition as part of a school approved documented health care plan

A classroom teacher will confiscate a mobile phone if a student is found using it without teacher permission during any lesson.
In any instance where a student has a digital devise visible entering class, or during lesson time, the following procedures will be followed:

  • The student will hand in their device to the teacher/staff member.
  • The teacher/staff member will hand over the device to the Front Office at their earliest convenience where it will be logged and stored for the remainder of the day.

 

First Offense:

At the end of the school day the student will be able to collect the device from the Principal, Deputy Principal or Student Services Manager.

Second Offense:

Only parents will be able to collect the device from the Principal, Deputy Principal or Student Services Manager.

 

Third Offense:

Suspension and case conference on return.

 

Parents/Carers should not be contacting students during lesson times unless it is urgent in which case they can call the school on 9621 6300 and a message can be sent to their child.

 

Repeated unauthorised use of a mobile phone will result in a referral to the Student Services team by Head of Learning Area, which may result in consequences under the school’s behavior policy.

 

Using a mobile phone to record images of students or staff, either as a photo, video or sound recording, without permission and/or for inappropriate use will result in this student being suspended from school according to the directions of the Minister for Education (February 2019).

 

Mobile phones and other digital devices are brought to school at the owner’s own risk. No liability will be accepted by the school in the event of loss, theft or damage of a device.

 

If at any time a student refuses to follow the instruction of a staff member, the Behaviour Management in Schools Policy and Procedures will be applied which may result in a suspension from school for the student.

The Department of Education's Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy can be viewed here.